There are likely to be more fireworks forthcoming, but the New York Mets have officially opened their offseason with a bang.
Coming off a surprise appearance in the National League Championship Series, the Mets are ready to go all-in on the 2025 season. Their free agency exploits will be must-see television, given their penchant for spending big, but first, they had a trade in store.
Center field was a question mark for the Mets all season long, and the void was even greater heading into the new year. But although the Mets could still move things around once free agents begin signing, their Tuesday trade acquisition appears to be the answer they were seeking.
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets acquired center fielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for relief pitcher Eric Orze. Siri is under team control for three more seasons and is currently projected to make $2.5 million in arbitration this year by Spotrac.
The trade likely means 2024 Mets center fielder Harrison Bader is headed elsewhere in free agency. New York also has Tyrone Taylor, who played center for them in the postseason, under team control through 2026.
